'the imjin' magazine Autumn 2019 | Page 16

What’s on EXHIBITION The art of persuasion National Army Museum, London Until 24 November Some of the most powerful war posters of the 20th century have been brought together for the first time for a special exhibition at the National Army Museum in London. That these posters still have the power to grab your attention is testament to their enduring design. ‘The art of persuasion’ is a major retrospective of the pioneering work of the British Army’s wartime poster designer, Captain Abram Games. Tasked with creating recruitment posters as well as instructional material for the citizen-soldiers of the Second World War, the works on display cover all subject matters, from keeping fit to how to store ammunition safely. Very few examples of his wartime posters survive today. They were rarely preserved and all surplus posters were pulped. This exhibition presents over 100 surviving designs he created during his employment for the Public Relations Department at the War Office from 1941 until 1945 – and include posters from the National Army Museum’s collection alongside loans from the family of Abram Games. The show explores how his Jewish refugee heritage, experiences as a soldier and the turbulent politics of wartime Britain shaped the career of a man who continues to influence design industry professionals today. This is an exhibition not just for those interested in military propaganda, but all aficionados of twentieth- century graphic design. Still need to be persuaded? Entry is free to serving Army personnel. For more details visit www. nam.ac.uk/artofpersuasion DAYS OUT Cheltenham Literature Festival Newent Onion Fayre Various locations 4 – 13 October Newent Saturday 14 September The world’s first literature festival celebrates its 70th birthday in 2019. Gloucester History Festival Various locations 7 - 22 September Gloucester’s ancient landmarks provide the backdrop to the city’s annual festival of history and heritage. 16 AUTUMN 2019 the imjin Events include a series of celebrity talks, exhibitions, and open days. And this year the vibrant Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens will welcome over 1,000 of the very best writers, thinkers and performers for ten days of literary revelry – with free pop-up events galore and festivities continuing late into the night. The festival begins with Gloucester Day on Saturday 7 September, commemorating the end of the siege of the city in 1643. Alongside the biggest new book releases, there will be food, history, poetry, current affairs, art, sport, faith, fashion, lifestyle, psychology, science and business events on offer, as well as a packed family programme. Download the brochure from gloucesterhistoryfestival. co.uk The full line-up is available at cheltenhamfestivals.com or follow @cheltlitfest on Twitter. You’ll be crying with laughter at the only festival in the UK to celebrate the humble onion. Held in the market town of Newent, 11 miles from Imjin Barracks, the free-to-enter event includes live music, entertainment, plus plenty of food and drink. There’s even a dog show. But people really only come for the onions. Exhibitors travel from across the country to compete in various categories including the ‘heaviest quality onion’. And all- comers are welcome to enter the onion eating competition. If you fancy a go, leave your name at the main stage and turn up at 1pm. Just don’t forget the mouthwash. More details www. newentonionfayre.net